Provide initial and ongoing assessment of the impact of the terminal diagnosis on the patient’s physical, functional, psychosocial and environmental needs and activities of daily living. Implement individual plans of care and revise, as necessary. Provide ongoing consultation and collaborate with other members of the hospice interdisciplinary team. Supervise Licensed Practical Nurses and hospice aides.

1. Provide initial and ongoing assessment of the impact of the terminal diagnosis on the patient’s physical, functional, psychosocial and environmental needs and activities of daily living. Assessment includes risk for pathological grief, cultural and spiritual implications, and verbal and non-verbal communications patterns.

2. Implement the individualized plan of care and recommending revisions to the plan as necessary, including managing discomfort and providing symptom relief and provide specialized nursing skills related to palliative and end-of-life care

3. Consult with and educate the patient/family regarding the disease process, self-care techniques, end-of-life care, and the process for dealing with issues of ethical concern.

4. Initiate appropriate preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures

5. Prepare clinical and progress notes that demonstrate progress toward established goal(s)

6. Coordinate all patient/family services and prioritize needs with the members of the interdisciplinary team.

7. Use the case management approach and refer to other services as needed.

8. Inform the physician and other personnel of changes in the patient’s needs and outcomes of intervention.

9. Determine scope and frequency of services needed based on acuity and patient/family needs

10. Supervise LPNs and paraprofessionals providing services to the patient according to regulatory guidelines.

11. Participate in in-service programs.

12. Provide specialized hospice training to other staff, family members and informal caregivers to ensure adequate care.

13. Provide on-going evaluation of patient/family response to care.

14. Assess the ability of the caregiver to meet the patient’s immediate needs upon admission and throughout care.

15. Evaluate own needs for support and using identified system(s) to meet the need.

16. Apply specific criteria for admission and re-certification to hospice care to establish appropriate levels of care and the patient’s eligibility

17. Communicate information using current process and technology available to the organization.

18. Participate in the hospice performance improvement program.

EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

1. One year of nursing experience, preferably in Hospice, Home Health, or a Skilled Nursing Facility

2. Unencumbered Indiana License as a Registered Nurse

3. Current CPR certification (Basic Life Support)

RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to the Hospice Team Leader/Director of Clinical

REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS

1. Demonstrated ability to read, write, and speak English.

2. Must possess good verbal and written communication skills

3. Must be able to meet deadlines, work under limited supervision.

4. Must be able to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and relief of an obstructed airway;

5. Must be able to climb at least 2 flights of stairs and be able to stand/or walk for a period of at least 4 hours.

6. Valid state driver’s license

7. Motor Vehicle Driving Record satisfactory to the Agency and its insurance providers.

8. Proof of motor vehicle insurance.